Skincare Diary #7

The month since my last skincare diary seems to have gone so so fast. I've been so busy that my routine hasn't changed greatly, and I've been suffering from a few bad breakouts so haven't wanted to experiment with newbies TOO much. There have been a few tweaks here and there though and I'll walk you through some of my standout favourites from this month.

Monday Morning -  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser*, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner*, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost*. Evening - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, Aesop Exfoliant Paste*, Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Mask*, Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum*, Verso Night Cream*, Verso Super Eye Serum*.

After a busy weekend I was forced to postpone my usual Sunday evening all-out facial to Monday instead. This Aesop mask is the star of my blemish battling artillery - guaranteed to get to work clearing up even the worst breakouts faster and better than any other mask I use. My skin is starting to feel really dehydrated again so this Eve Lom serum has become a regular in my routine this month. It sinks in really fast so is perfect for both morning and evening use, and always leaves my skin looking noticeably brighter.

Tuesday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser, Clarisonic Aria*, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, PIXI Glow Tonic,  Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum, Verso Night Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

As you can see, my morning routine hasn't altered in the weeks since my last diary post. La Roche-Posay has always been one of my favourite skincare brands but I've been completely blown away by their most recent release, the 3-Step Anti-Blemish System - affordable skincare at its best. I don't normally harbour much love for products which claim to have multiple benefits but this Raccine day cream excels as both a moisture boost and a blemish mark fader, and also provides a perfect base for foundation.

Wednesday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, PIXI Glow Tonic, Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum, Verso Night Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

A VERY late night this evening saw me removing my makeup in the hour before I tumbled (exhausted) into bed - not something I do very often. I don't like to bombard my skin with too many products immediately before going to bed, so I usually remove my makeup and do a second cleanse as soon as I get home, then use a gentle cleanser, liquid exfoliant, serum, and night cream before bed. When forced to combine the two, I always reach for this Antipodes cleanser as it's really good at removing the last traces of makeup but is also super super gentle.

Thursday Morning - Aesop Exfoliant Paste, Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask*, Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening -  Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, PIXI Glow Tonic, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

Yesterday's late night meant another facial postponed, so as I had the morning off work a few hours of (much needed) beauty therapy ensued. Sisley face masks are amongst the best (in my opinion). They may cost a small fortune but they do do EXACTLY what they say on the tube and have immediate results. I reserve this one for skincare emergencies and facials of the most deluxe standards. Its glow-inducing properties are akin to those which I imagine are only otherwise achieved by a week spent in a 5* resort in St Lucia.

Friday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser, Clarisonic Aria, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, PIXI Glow Tonic, Antipodes Divine Face Oil*, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream*, Verso Super Eye Serum.

Another late night and long day at work meant my evening skincare regime was a bumper edition once again. My skin seems to be getting increasingly dehydrated so I've swapped out my Eve Lom serum and Verso night cream for two intensive moisture boosters. For purposes of comfort I prefer using products which sink in upon application, but I do feel that if I go to sleep with my face damp and tacky (there really is no glamorous way to put it) then it will 100% serve its purpose of deep overnight hydration.

Saturday Morning -  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, PIXI Glow Tonic, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

Anyone noted my consistency re. eye cream this week?? This has been my go-to for a few months now and since using it on a regular basis I've really noticed its effect upon my dark circles. It's also the only product I can put near my (extremely sensitive) eyes without them welling up.

Sunday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Toner, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Raccine Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost. Evening - Eve Lom Cleanser*, Clarisonic Aria, Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

I love nothing more than a really deep cleanse, and when I say 'really deep' I mean the impurity removing type that makes you break out in the days after use. An rich balm cleanser paired with my Clarisonic does just the trick - and whilst I wouldn't recommend this treatment on an overly regular basis - as a fortnightly treatment it ticks all of the boxes essential to a darn good facial. Today I followed it up with a soothing mask and some A+ hydration. Skincare nirvana.

Which skincare products have you been reaching for this month?

G x

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*PR sample